CHI KUNG

Chi Kung, Chi Gong, Qigong (pronounced chee gong) is an ancient  Chinese system of physical training, philosophy, and preventive and therapeutic health care.

It  has been widely used  for many centuries to  conserve health and prevent diseases. 

The ‘Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine’ written in China about 2,000 years ago is the first book to systematically describe Chi Kung practice. 

But Chi Kung  it is even older than that, some turtle-shell artefacts show that the art of Chi Kung was important at least 7,000 years ago and archaeological evidence suggests the tradition may go back much further. 

The concept and practice of Chi Kung can be viewed from many perspectives, including for exercise and recreation, prevention and self-healing, meditation and self-cultivation, and training for martial arts.

It was used by practitioners of martial arts as a special method of training to improve skills such as endurance, strength, agility, concentration, and determination.

Chi is usually translated to mean the life force or vital-energy that flows through all things in the universe. It is inherent in everyone and everything. So long as a person breathes, he or she has vital Chi.

 In Chinese philosophy, the concept of Chi as a form of pervasive life energy includes the Chi that a person has at birth, and the Chi a person acquires from air, water, food, sunlight, and interaction with the environment.

 A person is believed to become ill or die when Chi becomes diminished or unbalanced. Health is thought to be returned by rebuilding Chi, eliminating Chi blockages, and correcting Chi imbalances.
           
 According to Chinese medicine, the Chi relating to the body’s internal organs flows around the body and can be cultivated and balanced   so that normal Chi circulation will ensure that all the cells of the body and brain receive the proper amount of ‘Chi’ nourishment, and the health of the mind and body can be improved and strengthened.

Scientific research has shown that Chi Kung is a complete exercise because it gives benefits to every one of the body’s systems and organs including but not limited to:

...........,,,,,,,,,...CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
,,,,,,,,,,,.BREATHING SYSTEM
,,,,,,,,,,,DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
,,,,,,,,,NERVOUS SYSTEM
,,,,,,,,,,,,,ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
,,,,,IMMUNE SYSTEM
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,LOCOMOTIVE SYSTEM
METABOLISM

Chi Kung is  a form of gentle exercise,  composed of movements that are typically repeated, strengthening and stretching the body, increasing fluid movement (blood, synovial, and lymph), enhancing balance and  building awareness of how the body moves through space. This cultivates balance and   focus of   the mind, body, and spirit as Chi is allowed to flow more easily and naturally.

Through Chi Kung one can build up Chi and allow it  to move to where a disturbance or blockage occurs.  This leads to health improvements for the mind and body, in particular it eliminates emotional disorders and improves the status of physiological and biochemical systems.  

Chi Kung has been known to improve the function of the internal organs, delay aging, and prolong life. Chi Kung exercises are reputed to aid in the treatment of heart disease, high blood pressure, pulmonary emphysema, arthritis, digestive disorders, arteriosclerosis, skin diseases, depression, cancer, and many other illnesses.

There are studies underway in the west that are begining to confirm theses beliefs.

Several studies have shown Chi Kung exercises gradually significantly reduce stress and this stress reduction is then reflected throughout the body’s  nervous system contributing to the body's rest, recovery and functional regulation. 

The slow pace of the gentle, rhythmic movements that reduce stress, also build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. In addition, having to remember and repeat the exercises keeps the mind alert and active and  promotes concentration and relaxation.

 It has also been found that by being relaxed and using the deep, slow movements of Chi Kung,  a gentle massage is applied to the abdominal organs, improving digestive function, and absorption; increasing lung capacity, stimulating metabolism, and blood and lymphatic circulation.

Chi Kung  also has the ability to loosen the joints and increases flexibility and suppleness, while strengthening the sinews and tendons.

Chi Kung  is suitable for anyone who wants to effectively take care of his or her health.

Those who maintain a consistent practice of Chi Kung  find that it helps them to regain a youthful vitality, maintain health even into old age and helps speed recovery from illness.

Western scientific research confirms that Chi Kung  reduces hypertension and the incidence of falling in the aged population.

One of the more important long-term effects is that Chi Kung  reestablishes the body/mind/soul connection. It encourages a positive outlook on life and helps eliminate harmful attitudes and behaviors. It creates a balanced life style, which brings greater harmony, stability, and enjoyment.

Chi Kung  is now practiced by millions worldwide, primarily for its health benefits. People do Chi Kung  to maintain health, heal their bodies, calm their minds, and reconnect with their spirit.

Chi Kung 's great appeal is that everyone can benefit, regardless of ability, age, belief system or life circumstance.

.Ms .Chi Kung lessons are suitable for anyone
who wants to effectively take care of his or her health.

In addition to the many health benefits of Chi Kung Classes , students will also achieve some or all of the following:
-an awareness of intentional movement that  creates a careful, flowing balanced style;
-breathing that becomes  slow, deep, coordinated with fluid movement;
-awareness becomes focused producing a calm meditative state;
-a solid stance which  encourages firm footing, erect spine;
-a relaxation that causes relaxed muscles, joints and tendons;
-balance and counterbalance arising  through  motion over the center of gravity;
-the body mind become  more fluid, and more relaxed;
-a tranquility arises allowing an ability to  empty the mind,  and yet have high awareness;
-and stillness producing  peace and calm.

................All these benefits enjoyed duringChi Kung classes
...........are not limited to the classes alone, but are
............easily and naturally become absorbed into every day life.
With a little bit of regular practice, Chi Kung can have a powerful effect on mind, body and spirit. Reported benefits have included increased general health and well being, reduced levels of stress, and a brighter and more balanced outlook on life's possibilities.
Chi Kung can be practised either as a discipline in its own right, or as a perfect complement to your Tai Chi training.

Chi                    Kung

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